Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Nice Bound

For Nel's birthday, we flew from Barcelona to Nice, France. 


Sometimes, flights from country to country in Europe can be just as affordable as taking a train.


When taking a train, the gradual change of scenery and time help you come to the realization that you are entering a new country, but when flying, this realization hits you strangely and suddenly. We had a challenging time switching from our (broken) Spanish to French when trying to communicate with the locals. 

                             Hola          Bonjour 
                            Gracias     Merci
 
Many aspects of travel are frustrating, overwhelming, and sometimes a little scary, but Nel and I have always appreciated the opportunity to learn from these experiences and grow as individuals



This was my second time visiting France, and I realized that this country truly holds a special place in my heart. 


Welcome to Nice, France!


Hot, humid, lively, and beautifully designed, this city is a popular French Riviera destination in the summer. 



My favorite part of Nice was its Old Town. 


Its narrow alleys were made up of old buildings, colorful shutters, local merchandise, and enticing cafés.


The Mediterranean was bluer than blue, 


and now I know why Nice's soft light appealed to many great artists in the past. 


Castle Hill  had ruins, a grand waterfall, and great views of the city. 



It was here where I found the French Red Rose Alley, and I smiled at the thought of my mom and our fellow bloggers.


Stay tuned...for a stroll through beautiful Paris. :-)


~Jess  

25 comments:

Cranberry Morning said...

I love it, I love it!! What beautiful photos you shared with us! I'd love to visit there someday! I would have to learn a few French phrases first, though. :-)

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

Delicious... Delightful... Allllllll...

And even a Red Rose Alley to top it off!

Onward to Paris!

Years ago we spent 8 wonderful days in Paris and it's still a lovely memory. Made more interesting by meeting up, with a young Frenchman, I had Net-met. :-) He wanted to show me "the real Paris," which he knew I want to see. Meaning,not just the usual museums, etc.

Enjoy!!!!
Tessa

R's Rue said...

Tres belle!

Glad you enjoyed

Holly said...

Oh how Nice, thanks for sharing France with us.

Lynne said...

Bonjour Jess!
Thank you for taking me along!
~Lynne
w/L

Deserae said...

So beautiful!!! I hope to visit there some day and see it all in person.
~Des

Blogoratti said...

Amazing photos, thanks for sharing!

Kim said...

What a lovely place! And that's cool about the Red Rose Alley thing! Very cool!

Susie said...

Jess, Thank you so much honey...I loved touring with you. Can we stay longer please? You took some great pictures. I could see these made into greeting cards. Hugs to your loved one there and you. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

NanaDiana said...

What a wonderful journey. Can't wait to see more! xo Diana

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Such splendid photos and I can tell much happiness and joy is being shared here with two sisters and a devoted a husband. I am actually so happy he is along-just because I am such a worrier and I know he is looking out for you all!
The roses were such a special find, makes me smile!
Love,
Jemma

Lowcarb team member said...

Jess what a charming post and so lovely to have a Red Rose Alley at the end!
I do agree some aspects of travel are frustrating, but necessary ... love the photo of the pink chairs too.

All the best Jan

Leslie said...

Oh my goodness!!! We've been to Paris .. but this is on my bucket list. Gorgeous photos and I just love the soft color and the blue waters. Incredible and I just wish I could pop over and enjoy the day with you all.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Bonjour, Jess!

I lived in Nice during my studies as an adult (and married) student of French before my first teaching job as a teacher. It was the thrill of a lifetime to fly from Minneapolis to Reykjavik, over England then to Nice. I will never forget getting off the plane, catching a train to my assigned homestay and using my French in a REAL survival situation. I did it. I was able to not only talk but converse, have deep discussions with the locals about culture and their beautiful country.

THE FOOD, THE BEACH, THE COUNTRY EXCURSIONS! I hope you were able to take the bus up to Eze.....or St. Paul de Vence? If not, you must the next time...

Bonne journée! Anita

Rue said...

It's gorgeous there, Jess! I can't wait to see more :)

Patricia said...

How lovely! All your pics are great, and I love the Red Rose Alley. Nice looks a beautiful place to visit. Can't wait to see your Paris photos.

Dee said...

Jess, I am in awe of every one of those fabulous pictures. What a lovely, picturesque place to visit. Oh and Happy Birthday, Nel! A trip to Nice is one amazing gift.

Enjoy... :)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Chère Jess, if you do go back to France, especially Nice, you really need to take the climb (via bus!) to Eze. It's truly Medieval in design. But if you really want a different feel, go to the Southwestern part of France: Le Périgord Noir and visit La Dordogne. Go to Sarlat and Les Jardins de Marqueyssac. You will think you entered paradise.

Harija said...

Happy Birthday!!
WOW this is just amazing!! Great post, can't wait to read the next one!!
Thanks a bunch for your support on my blog,I am glad you liked my recent post on My Pan AM Experience:
MyLyfeMyStory

angie said...

love Sheri, what images of beautiful !!! Thanks for the great insight !!! I wish you a wonderful weekend, Greetings from angie

Red Rose Alley said...

Jess, I love that picture of Nel by the statue. That's so cool.

~mom

Unknown said...

I haven't been there before. Looking amazing! Nice pictures ;)

Susan said...

Oh my GOSH, what a way to celebrate a birthday! Zowee. Happy Birthday to Nel. Hope you go to another exotic destination next year! Susan

Draffin Bears said...

Beautiful post and I agree with you, Nice is wonderful - the blue water of the Med is amazing.
Glad you had a neat trip and I enjoyed seeing your photos.
hugs
Carolyn

Inspiredbeautyofcourse said...

Pretty, Pretty pictures!